The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, has called for a decisive shift in Africa’s digital finance agenda, urging stakeholders to move beyond basic payment systems towards value-driven financial solutions.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 3i Africa Summit in Accra, he said the continent’s progress in financial inclusion must now translate into real economic impact.
The three-day summit, running from May 6 to 8, has brought together policymakers, central bank governors, fintech leaders and investors to explore how innovation, investment and collaboration can drive Africa’s financial transformation.
“The next phase of digital finance will not be defined by payments alone,” Dr. Asiama stated. “The opportunity now lies in building the next layer of value.”
Citing data from the World Bank, the Governor noted that about 49 per cent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa now have access to digital financial accounts, describing it as significant progress.
“We are starting from momentum. The task now is to make it count,” he said.
Dr. Asiama outlined the next frontier of financial development, pointing to areas such as digital credit, embedded finance, supply chain finance and cross-border services as critical to deepening inclusion.
He explained that these innovations are essential to meeting the needs of small businesses, women, young people and the informal sector, who remain underserved despite gains in access.
The Governor emphasised that while mobile money and branchless banking have laid a strong foundation, Africa must now build more sophisticated systems that deliver tangible value.
He also highlighted the importance of effective regulation, noting that it must both protect the financial system and support innovation.
“Regulation and growth are not opposing forces. They must reinforce each other,” he said.
To support this transition, the Bank of Ghana is advancing new frameworks, including guidelines for digital credit, open banking initiatives, and measures to support cross-border fintech activity.
He further stressed the need for stronger digital identity systems and improved coordination among institutions to build trust and reduce risks such as fraud.
Dr. Asiama urged stakeholders to work together to unlock the full potential of digital finance, stressing that Africa must move beyond participation to shaping the future of global finance.
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The post 3i Africa Summit: Africa Must Move Beyond Payments – BoG Governor appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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